Better Sleep Month: 6 Brilliant Tricks for Better Sleep

In honor of Better Sleep Month, here are some sleep hacks to help you hit the hay easily.

Tossing and turning. Switching positions over and over. Staring at the ceiling. Marathoning late night infomercials. Ugh. No one likes missing out on sleep.

To help you get some quality shut-eye, and in celebration of Better Sleep Month, we’ve rounded up 6 simple (yet genius) tricks for getting the sleep you need and deserve.

Trick #1 – Warm Those Tootsies

Natural sesame oil is known for relieving anxiety and promoting quality sleep. Grab some from your local health store or favorite online marketplace, and treat yourself to a relaxing foot massage with a couple of dabs of the oil.

To take the restful effects of sesame oil up a notch, just add a pair of your softest, comfiest socks to the mix after your massage to really help set the sleepy mood.

Trick #2 – Have a Relaxing Snack

When you’re winding down and prepping yourself for bedtime, head to the kitchen and pour yourself a glass of milk and grab a handful of almonds.

Why? Milk contains tryptophan, and almonds boast the natural addition of melatonin. Both of those packs a pretty powerful sleep-inducing punch, and will help lull you to sleep.

Trick #3 – Fire Up the Humidifier

If you find sleep is evading you or you’re getting to sleep but snoring yourself awake, issues with your sinuses or seasonal allergies can be to blame.

The moistened air that is cranked out by a household humidifier can help to reduce nasal swelling and conquer the allergies that are leading to your open mouth breathing (and disturbing your slumber).

Trick #4 – Calculate Your Ideal Bedtime

When it comes to sleep, quality counts. Just because you’re getting enough hours in the sack, doesn’t mean that you’re getting the best sleep possible.

One of the ways to make sure that you’re getting quality sleep is to calculate your ideal bedtime. You just work backward from the time that you need to wake up to discover the time that you should be getting to sleep.

Trick #5 – Trick Yourself into Falling Asleep

If you’re one of the many people that can’t seem to shut your mind off long enough to slip into sleep, your best bet may be tricking yourself into catching some Zs.

One of the easiest ways of calming your mind and relaxing into sleepy time is by picturing your childhood home as you lay in bed with your eyes closed. In your mind’s eye, wander from room to room and picture the artwork and furniture. Before you know it, you’ll be out like a light!

Trick #6 – Try a Breathing Exercise

If reminiscing about childhood memories isn’t for you, try a progressive breathing technique to relax and quiet your mind.

The “4-7-8 Method” is a relaxation technique that slows your heart rate and raises oxygen levels, which sends the signal to your body that it’s time to go to sleep.

How do you do it? Exhale fully through your mouth, then inhale through your nose for a count of 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 7 seconds and then exhale for 8 seconds. Repeat as needed.

Hopefully, these tricks will help you in your Better Sleep Month journey to getting the sleep that you need and deserve!